Six Nations tackles data analysis

Rugby tournament takes on new stats tracking system

The 2006 RBS Six Nations Championship is to use business intelligence software to collate match statistics.

The software, from vendor SAS, will supply TV broadcasters and the press with comprehensive graphics and on-screen analysis for games in the rugby tournament that starts on Saturday (4 February).

Six Nations chief executive John Feehan says the competition produces a huge amount of raw data, such as information on tackle counts and time in possession of the ball, and it is essential that information is used properly and is made clear.

‘There are two essential areas where the data is used,’ said Feehan.

‘First, it is there for communications purposes, generating interesting facts we can use to help the media. Second, it can be used over time by each of the member countries, who will be able to request the information from the system for use in their own analysis of the games.’

New ways of looking at data generated from the matches often yield interesting and unexpected insights, says Feehan.

‘The way things are presented can lead to a greater understanding of how international rugby games work. Ten or 15 years ago, we wouldn’t even have been able to tell you the tackle count, but things have developed,’ he said.